What Type of Resistance? How Apocalyptic Discourse Functions as Social Discourse in Mark’s Gospel

Abstract

Several scholars analyze the social dimensions of Mark’s apocalyptic discourse through socio-political or postcolonial models to identify Mark as resistance literature. Alternatively, this study uses literary analysis and metaphor theory to argue that Mark employs apocalyptic discourse for theological reasons with political implications. After evaluating representative socio-political and postcolonial interpretations and establishing the concept of apocalyptic discourse in light of the narrative’s theological and political aims, this study does two things: (1) it explains the function of Mark’s apocalyptic topoi to redefine the social concept of the family in order to explore the formation of the community that follows Jesus, and (2) it analyzes Mk 8.27–10.45 to demonstrate how apocalyptic discourse functions as social discourse in shaping that community’s identity and practice. The primary function of Mark’s apocalyptic discourse is not to combat alienation from the dominant cultural community, but from Jesus’ community as a result of misunderstanding and unbelief.